Russell Ingram

I have been a Volunteer Driver/Mentor for the department for just over one year. I am an important part of the team, and due to my Youth worker background, I am very sought after especially with more complex young people.

• Managed administrative tasks such as scheduling, record-keeping, and budgeting for program success.
• Facilitated communication between volunteers and staff members through regular updates via newsletters or social media platforms.
• Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
• Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
• Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs.

• Enhanced youth development by implementing individualized care plans and engaging in therapeutic activities.
• Improved residents'' emotional well-being through compassionate counseling and support during challenging situations.
• Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering trust and open communication to address personal issues.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for resident needs and goals.

Over this period I was a Chef at the then named Adelaide Youth Training Centre where I had daily contact with the young people. I also prepared meals and taught young people cooking skills in the various Residential Care Units around South Australia. My success with the cooking program led me to apply for an ongoing position as OPS 3 Youth worker, as I knew I could make a difference and help mentor young troubled teenagers.

• Streamlined operational processes by implementing efficient workflow management strategies.
• Improved customer satisfaction ratings by ensuring prompt resolution of issues and concerns.
• Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion and timely delivery.
• Developed strong relationships with suppliers, resulting in reduced costs and better quality products.
• My initial role was to operate a store/booking agency on the border of Arnhemland and Kakadu. This was also incorporated Guided Tours by 4 wheel drive, Boat and walking tours in both Arnhemland and Kakadu and, running a large camping ground. Very soon i became friend and advisor to the traditional owner, and together we decided to train local youth and adults to take ownership of the business which was by then turning over $1million plus. This came about due to tourists being guided by backpackers or people who were not local to the area. The training was successful and this also led to selling local art directly to tourists so the funds were given back to the artists. I am very proud of our achievements there and unfortunately the tourism arm of the association was sold off to private operators. This ended my tenure but since then I have returned to see the river cruises back and in the hands of the local people. It is now a great indigenous owned venture.